WASHINGTON -- A strong proponent for Amtrak and several members of
the Senate Commerce Committee will be battling to hold onto their
congressional seats on Election Day.
The Republicans control both the Senate and the House, but a few
seats in either chamber could swing the balance to the other party.
Five seats could mean the difference in the Senate, for example,
where the GOP holds a 54-46 majority.
The Senate races involve 19 Republicans and 15 Democrats,
including several lawmakers associated with travel-related issues.
Sen. William Roth (R-Del.), chairman of the Senate Finance
Committee and a Senate member since 1971, is facing a tough
challenge by Delaware governor Tom Carper.
Roth, a strong proponent for permanent funding for Amtrak, was
instrumental in crafting a $2 billion financial package for the
rail line in 1998.
Meanwhile, the election could change the face of the powerful
Senate Commerce Committee, as several members battle to hold on
their seats including, Sen. Slade Gorton (R-Wash), who is
challenged by Maria Cantwell, a former House representative; and
Sen. Conrad Burns (R-Mont.), who is being challenged by rancher
Brian Schweitzer.
Sen. Spencer Abraham (R-Mich.), another member of the Senate
Commerce Committee, is being challenged by Rep. Debbie Stabenow
(D-Mich.), a member of the House agriculture and science
committees.
Abraham was a proponent of the Visa Waiver Pilot Program.
Congress passed a bill making permanent the program, which allows
travelers from qualifying countries to visit the U.S. without a
visa. The countries reciprocate by extending the same privilege to
U.S. travelers.
Commerce Committee member Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), an
outspoken critic of the airlines, faces state Rep. Mark
Lawrence.
Other Senate races to watch include:
Sen. Trent Lott (R-Miss.), Senate majority leader and tourism
proponent, is challenged by Democrat Troy Brown, a college
administrator.Sen. Mike DeWine (R-Ohio), who, as chairman of the Senate
antitrust subcommittee, held several hearings on airline
competition, is being challenged by Ted Celeste, the brother of a
former governor of Ohio.Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.), chairman of the Senate Energy and
Natural Resources Committee, and a supporter of the national parks
system, is being challenged by Mel Logan, who has ties to the coal
mining industry.Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Mass.), ranking member on the Senate
immigration subcommittee and a proponent of the Visa Waiver Pilot
Program, is up against Republican businessman Jack Robinson
III.